Statement by Marc Fogel
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
“My mother and I are honored to be President Trump’s guests at the State of the Union tonight. It is a privilege that is not lost upon a high school history teacher from Butler and Pittsburgh that we are sitting before a joint session of Congress as the President of the United States gives his Constitutionally mandated update before the body.
Just over a month ago, I was uncertain if I would ever see America again. Now, I am, with my wonderful mother, a guest in its most historic chamber having received such an overwhelming welcome from my beloved country and so many people—including many Members of Congress who are here who worked very hard to bring me home. I am so grateful. Words cannot adequately express the magnitude of my emotions. I will be back to meet with many to thank you personally. I appreciate your graciousness in giving me the time I need to reconnect with my family and get my footing. God Bless our country.”
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Marc Fogel is an American high school teacher from Butler and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He taught the children of Americans living overseas for 35 years. The last 9 years of his career were in Moscow teaching at the United States State Department-owned Anglo-American School. In August 2021, Marc was arrested at Sheremetyevo Airport in Moscow as he was returning to teach his 36th year before retiring.
Marc was detained for carrying just under an ounce of medically prescribed marijuana used to manage pain post three unsuccessful back surgeries. He was convicted to 14 years in a Russian labor camp by the Russian Federation on June 17, 2022. Several Americans were taken as prisoners in Russia after Marc but were prioritized and released before him. On February 11, 2025, after 3 ½ years in Russian prison, Marc was brought home to America by President Trump who greeted him at the White House.
At this time, Marc Fogel and his family are focusing on his health and reassimilation into American life. He is not prepared to speak to the press and the public, following the guidance of prisoner/hostage physicians and reintegration experts.
Thank you to everyone who fought for his return. He would not be here without you. He will be made aware of your outreach and support.
FreeMarcFogel.net
A Message on Behalf of Marc Fogel:
After an extended period of being held hostage, Marc Fogel has finally returned to his beloved Pittsburgh.
As he processes the harrowing trauma, we respectfully request privacy for Marc and his family during this profoundly difficult time.
His journey to recovery is just beginning and he has been advised to limit public exposure as he embarks on the long and challenging process of healing.
We ask that the media and the public honor this request for privacy, allowing Marc and his family the time and space they need to heal together during this vulnerable period.
Further details will be announced once Marc and his family are prepared to make public statements.
Thank you for your support and understanding.
It took a village to bring him back; it will take a village of kindness to make him whole.
Thank you, America!
Marc Fogel is home.
Marc released the following statement today:
Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty I am free at last! All of your support and love was my nourishment the last 3 years and 6 months and I will be forever grateful. I am humbled and overwhelmed by what has been done to secure my release by so many. I am delighted to report I have positively completed the medical phase of the transition protocol done by the State Department. Tomorrow we will begin another phase of this program which needs to be completed before moving into life as we know it. I cannot wait to rejoin our community but this will take a bit of time and I ask for some patience in replying to you all. I look forward to reaching out to all of you in due time. With gratitude, respect, and humility. Marc F
Thank you to the thousands of people who never forgot Marc Fogel. So many of you fought day in and day out to bring him home. Marc heard those messages and prayers and channeled those into a will to come back to us.
Without the support from his family, friends, students, colleagues, and well-wishers, his return would not have happened.
President Trump fulfilled his promise to Malphine Fogel made on July 13th, 2024 to bring her son home if he became President. From day #1 of his service as the top diplomat in our country, Secretary of State Rubio publicly declared Marc’s return America’s top priority with Russia, also fulfilling a personal promise that he made to Marc’s son in July 2024 to do everything he could to bring his dad home.
Marc is home, where he should be. He is reunited with his wife, sons, mother, sisters, and family who never lost faith, even through the hardest times. So many of you have contributed to this journey and, as Marc said, he is forever grateful.
We will keep you posted on next steps. In the interim, please leave any messages for Marc and his family below and they will be addressed by them as they are able.
God Bless America and the Fogels. Thanks to each and every one of you.